Real-Life Decision Making
Your theater company has leased an outdoor amphitheater for the summer. It is set on a forested hill that overlooks the city. It's a wonderful setting to produce a Greek tragedy.
Your theater company decides to produce Oedipus the King, a Greek tragedy by Sophocles. The play is about mistaken identities, riddles and tragic circumstances. It will take a very fine and strong person to play the part of Oedipus, the main character.
You audition many actors and finally are able to narrow down the field to two people. "You really have to try and look to the future to see if your choice will work," says Christopher Gaze, a director and producer.
Michael reads well but his movements are a bit wooden and his voice isn't as strong. You prefer Daniel, who is tall, handsome and has a wonderful deep voice. The ability to project your voice is important in Greek tragedy. You've made up your mind and say to a fellow company member, Candice, that you are going to cast Daniel as Oedipus.
Candice raises her eyebrows. "Have you talked to him?" She won't say why she asks, but you decide to meet with both actors.
Daniel doesn't shake your hand or give you any eye contact. When you tell him that you are considering him for the part of Oedipus, he seems bored.
You meet with Michael and find him to be passionate about the play and a likeable person.
What do you do?